Officially the End: Joe Paterno to Retire After Season Coach's Statement Below

It's not much of a surprise amidst the sex abuse scandal that continues to devastate Penn State at nearly every level, but the AP is reporting that head football coach Joe Paterno will retire at the end of the season. We'll leave it at that for now, as there have been quite a few ongoing discussions as to whether and why Joe should stay or go, but this news stands alone. Joe Paterno will reportedly not be the head coach at Penn State when the Nittany Lions take the field in 2012. [Read Joe Paterno's statement of resignation below]

From Paterno:

"I am absolutely devastated by the developments in this case. I grieve for the children and their families, and I pray for their comfort and relief.

I have come to work every day for the last 61 years with one clear goal in mind: To serve the best interests of this university and the young men who have been entrusted to my care. I have the same goal today.

That's why I have decided to announce my retirement effective at the end of this season. At this moment the Board of Trustees should not spend a single minute discussing my status. They have far more important matters to address. I want to make this as easy for them as I possibly can.

This is a tragedy. It is one of the great sorrows of my life. With the benefit of hindsight, I wish I had done more.

My goals now are to keep my commitments to my players and staff and finish the season with dignity and determination. And then I will spend the rest of my life doing everything I can to help this university."

Some will argue that he should not coach another game. Others will say
he should to continue on as coach. Others will point out that, scandal
aside, it was time anyway.

Finally, for those who have been clambering for it, you will notice that Paterno did include the words "I wish I had done more" in his letter.